What term describes a situation where conflicting parties act in their self-interest leading to mutually destructive behavior?

The term that describes a situation where conflicting parties act in their self-interest, leading to mutually destructive behavior, is known as a social trap. In a social trap, individuals or groups may pursue personal gains or short-term interests without considering the long-term consequences for themselves or for the group as a whole. This often results in a scenario where everyone involved ends up worse off, as cooperation could have led to better outcomes for all parties.

Social traps can be illustrated through examples like the tragedy of the commons, where shared resources are overexploited because each individual's pursuit of personal gain harms the collective. This reflects the importance of understanding how individual actions, when aligned with self-interest without regard for others, can lead to negative outcomes for the wider community.

Other terms such as superordinate goals pertain to objectives that require cooperation among conflicting parties, which can help resolve conflicts rather than exacerbate them. Ethnocentrism refers to the belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group and often leads to misinterpretations or misjudgments about others. Compliance involves yield to a request or demand and doesn't specifically imply a conflict of self-interest that leads to destructive outcomes.